METTLESOME Synonyms: 123 Similar and Opposite Words

mettlesome

adjective

ˈme-tᵊl-səm

Definition of mettlesome

as in energetic

having much high-spirited energy and movement the mettlesome opening dance number got the audience all jazzed up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in spirited

marked by a lively display of strong feeling a mettlesome debate on the teaching of evolution in the schools

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of mettlesome He may have been provoked into battle by the ruler of Cebu, who was using Magellan’s troops to rid himself of a mettlesome chieftain known to raid the trade ships that navigated the waters in and around the islands. — Tim Carman, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2022

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mettlesome

Adjective

This lunar event shifts the energetic landscape significantly.

— Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Now, the Andrés group is back with an equally glamorous restaurant, one that highlights aged steaks in an energetic and theatrical setting.

— Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of energetic

Adjective

But a spirited, productive primary debate will allow voters to make an informed choice and ensure that the first year of the next administration is spent acting on a vision, not arguing over one.

— THOMAS WRIGHT, Foreign Affairs, 3 Nov. 2026
With her supportive mother Evelyn (Debbi Morgan) and spirited sister Belle (Sy’rai Smith) by her side, everything seems to be falling into place.

— Rachel LaBonte, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of spirited

Adjective

There’s this desire, understandable on its face, to make the design and aesthetics of the live-action world recognizably similar to the animated world.

— Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026
The face is customizable with various colorways, clock fonts, and photos; there’s also an animated Snoopy, whose antics change with the weather and the holidays.

— Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of animated

Adjective

The sky is ablaze with fiery colors all along the horizon where the deep lunar shadow drops off.

— IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 5 Nov. 2026
Sometimes the bag is the outfit, as evidenced by this fiery red mini bag that delivers a punchy pop of color.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of fiery

Adjective

Common areas also include a lively lobby bar and cigar room for pours and puffs, respectively, as well as an impressive wine list with bottles sourced from all over the world.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
That was the message behind a lively conversation at The Chef Assembly in Charlotte, a two-day gathering of leading chefs, restaurateurs, food writers and hospitality professionals to explore conversations shaping the restaurant industry.

— Evan Moore November 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of lively

Adjective

To imagine the natural world not as a passive resource but as an animate collaborator would be to reorder more than aesthetic categories, demanding another relation to our environment.

— Tara Anne Dalbow, ARTnews.com, 29 May 2026
Zugunruhe is the itinerant desire of any animate being to keep moving and growing.

— Big Think, Big Think, 6 May 2026

Definition of animate

Browse Nearby Words

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mettlesome

mew

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“Mettlesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettlesome. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of mettlesome

adjective

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